The imperial kommerkia of Kerasous (735/6)

Zacos-Veglery, no. 250. Another specimen of what appears to be the same seal, previously misdated by Lihačev, is now republished in Lihačev, Molivdovuly, 241-42, no. 75/5.

Obverse

Half-length figures of Leo III at left, bearded, wearing a crown and a chlamys, and Constantine V at right, beardless, wearing a crown and a chlamys, each holding a long cross set on a globus. No visible epigraphy or border.

Reverse

Inscription of six lines. No visible border.

τνβασιλικνκομμερκινκερασντνδ

Τῶν βασιλικῶν κομμερκίων Κερασούντων. Ι(νδικτιὼν) δˊ

Translation

Τῶν βασιλικῶν κομμερκίων Κερασούντων. Ινδικτιὼν δˊ.

(Seal of) the imperial kommerkia of Kerasous. Indiction 4.

Commentary

The date of the seal is secured by the representation of the emperors and by the mention of imperial kommerkia, which reappear around 730 under the reign of Leo III.

Accession number

BZS.1955.1.4397

Diameter

32 mm

Previous Editions

DO Seals 4, no. 34.2.

Zacos-Veglery, no. 250. Another specimen of what appears to be the same seal, previously misdated by Lihačev, is now republished in Lihačev, Molivdovuly, 241-42, no. 75/5.